A Simple Guide to Vulvitis
------------------------------
What is Vulvitis?
----------------------
Vulvitis is an acute inflammation of the vulva in females.
What are the causes of Vulvitis?
---------------------------------------
Vulvitis is usually caused by the following:
Infections:
1.sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea,trichomonas and chlamydia.
2.Fungal infection such as candidiasis
3.Herpes simplex in recurrent cases
4.Pediculosis pubis or lice
5.pinworm infection in children
6.Urinary infection such as cystitis
Allergies:
1.Clothings
2.perfumes
3.powders
4.drugs
Chemical irritants:
1.vaginal douche
2.detergents used to wash underwear
Mechanical irritants:
1.ill fitting underwear
2.inadequate sexual lubrication
Postmenopausal:
Atrophic vulvovaginitis after menopausal with dryness and inflammation of the vulval and vaginal lining
Generalised disorders:
Dermatological disorders such as lichen simplex
What are the symptoms and signs of Vulvitis?
------------------------------------------------
Persons who has Acute Vulvitis has the following
Symptoms:
1.vulval irritation and itch
2.discharge from vagina
3.painful or frequency of urination
4.excoriation of the inner lining of vulva
Signs:
1.discharge can be seen in female vagina
2.redness and inflammation of the vulva
How do you diagnose Vulvitis?
--------------------------------
Diagnosis can usually be made by :
1.History of vulval itch associated frequency of urination, painful urination or discharge from vagina
2.Vulva shows inflammation, excoriation of lining,
3.Vulval and vaginal swab to culture for bacteria and sexually transmitted organisms and the antibiotic most appropriate for it.
4. biopsy of the suspicious vulval lesions to exclude other causes of vulval problem such as tumor
What is the treatment of Vulvitis?
-------------------------------------
1.Approprate Antibiotics, antifungal for infections especially after urine bacterial culture
2.Antihistamine medicine for itch
3.Topical oestrogen cream for postmenopausal atrophic vulvovaginitis
4.Proper hygience after urination, sexual intercourse and bathing
5.Avoid strong soaps
6.Use of lubricants during sexual intercourse
7.Weight reduction if obese
8.Treat underlying condition such as diabetes,allergic dermatitis,other skin
conditions.
What is the prognosis of Vulvitis?
----------------------------------------
Prognosis is usually good with medication.
Sexual partner may need to be treated.
Recurrence is quite common.
Showing posts with label antihistamine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antihistamine. Show all posts
Friday, March 14, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
A Simple Guide to Urticaria
A Simple Guide to Urticaria
---------------------------------
What is Urticaria?
----------------------
Urticaria is an itchy rash that occurs rapidly anywhere on the body.
The rash may occur often simultaneously at multiple sites.
It is usually temporary disappearing after 24 hours although new rashes may occur at other sites.
What causes Urticaria?
---------------------------
Urticaria is usually due to known mast cell stimulants although in the majority of cases the cause is unknown.
Urticaria is not contagious and for most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of mast cell stimulants:
1. Certain foods: eggs, nuts, fruits,shellfish, fish, chocolates
2. Certain drugs: antibiotics, NSAIDs
3. Physical stimulants: pressure, sweating, cold temperature, sunlight
4. Infections: viral, bacteria
5. Others: flowers, pollen, beestings, animal furs, soaps
What are the symptoms and signs of Urticaria?
-------------------------------------------------------
The rash is typically itchy and appear rapidly as localised red swelling on the skin measuring a few mm to more than 10 cm in size in different shapes.
The swelling can also occur on eyelids, lips, palms and soles.
Urticaria is usually harmless and disappear within a few days or week.
However because it can involve very extensive areas of the body, it can cause a lot of irritation and a lot of anxiety.
Very rarely the urticaria can lasts months to years causing disruption to work and social life.
What makes patients with Urticaria itch?
----------------------------------------------------
In people with Urticaria, the mast cell stimulant can cause histamine release from mast cells.
The histamine is the predominant chemical which is responsible for the inflammatory response which leads to changes of the blood vessels of the skin.
This leads to more blood flow to the affected skin and excessive fluid moving into the surrounding tissues , causing itching and swelling.
How can Urticaria be treated?
------------------------------------
One of the most important part of treatment is to to try to identify the substance or underlying medical condtion which may cause the Urticaria.
Avoidance of the causative substance or treatment of the underlying medical conditions such as infections will lead to the resolution of the urticaria.
One of the most important components of an Urticaria treatment routine is to prevent scratching.
Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.
Antihistamine tablets will usually relieve the itch and suppress the eruption of the rash.
The antihistamine need to be taken regularly for long as the urticaria is active.
If the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily, another effective treatment is the application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce itch.
Corticosteroid tablets may be prescribed if necessary.
How can Urticaria be prevented?
----------------------------------------
Find the causative agent and avoid it.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
Avoid sweating or overheating
Avoid certain foods (e.g.,eggs, nuts, seafood, chocolates)
Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)
---------------------------------
What is Urticaria?
----------------------
Urticaria is an itchy rash that occurs rapidly anywhere on the body.
The rash may occur often simultaneously at multiple sites.
It is usually temporary disappearing after 24 hours although new rashes may occur at other sites.
What causes Urticaria?
---------------------------
Urticaria is usually due to known mast cell stimulants although in the majority of cases the cause is unknown.
Urticaria is not contagious and for most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of mast cell stimulants:
1. Certain foods: eggs, nuts, fruits,shellfish, fish, chocolates
2. Certain drugs: antibiotics, NSAIDs
3. Physical stimulants: pressure, sweating, cold temperature, sunlight
4. Infections: viral, bacteria
5. Others: flowers, pollen, beestings, animal furs, soaps
What are the symptoms and signs of Urticaria?
-------------------------------------------------------
The rash is typically itchy and appear rapidly as localised red swelling on the skin measuring a few mm to more than 10 cm in size in different shapes.
The swelling can also occur on eyelids, lips, palms and soles.
Urticaria is usually harmless and disappear within a few days or week.
However because it can involve very extensive areas of the body, it can cause a lot of irritation and a lot of anxiety.
Very rarely the urticaria can lasts months to years causing disruption to work and social life.
What makes patients with Urticaria itch?
----------------------------------------------------
In people with Urticaria, the mast cell stimulant can cause histamine release from mast cells.
The histamine is the predominant chemical which is responsible for the inflammatory response which leads to changes of the blood vessels of the skin.
This leads to more blood flow to the affected skin and excessive fluid moving into the surrounding tissues , causing itching and swelling.
How can Urticaria be treated?
------------------------------------
One of the most important part of treatment is to to try to identify the substance or underlying medical condtion which may cause the Urticaria.
Avoidance of the causative substance or treatment of the underlying medical conditions such as infections will lead to the resolution of the urticaria.
One of the most important components of an Urticaria treatment routine is to prevent scratching.
Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.
Antihistamine tablets will usually relieve the itch and suppress the eruption of the rash.
The antihistamine need to be taken regularly for long as the urticaria is active.
If the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily, another effective treatment is the application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce itch.
Corticosteroid tablets may be prescribed if necessary.
How can Urticaria be prevented?
----------------------------------------
Find the causative agent and avoid it.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
Avoid sweating or overheating
Avoid certain foods (e.g.,eggs, nuts, seafood, chocolates)
Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
A Simple Guide to Eczema
A Simple Guide to Eczema
-------------------------------
What is Eczema?
--------------------
Eczema is a general term meaning inflammation of the skin with signs of redness, itch and swelling.
One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic eczema which affects 10-20% of the world population. It occurs at some point during childhood.
Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.
What causes Eczema?
--------------------------
There is no known cause for the disease.
It often affects people with a family history of allergies.
Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.
Those who are genetically predisposed may deverlop eczema when exposed to environmental and food triggers:
milk,egg white,nuts, shellfish
dust, chemicals,detergents,flowers,pollens,dyes in clothes,cosmetics
Who gets eczema?
----------------------
Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.
Is Eczema contagious?
---------------------------
Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured.
For most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.
How common is eczema?
------------------------------
The condition is quite common.
About10-20% of all infants have eczema.
In nearly half of these children, the disease will improve greatly by the time they are between five and 15 years of age.
Others will have some form of the disease throughout their lives.
Where does Eczema appear?
-----------------------------------
Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body.
In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.
In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.
In some people, eczema may form bubbles which breaks and ooze.
In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red.
Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).
What are the symptoms and signs of eczema?
-----------------------------------------------------
Typically there are dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin.
Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.
What makes patients with eczema itch?
-----------------------------------------------
The triggers that causes a flare up of the eczema causes irritation to the skin.
When the skin becomes irritated, histamines are released into the skin causing the redness and itchiness.
For some, rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness. For others, feeling too hot and sweating will cause an outbreak.
Other people find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, and animal furs may trigger itching.
Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers.
Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up,a condition called neurodematitis.
How can eczema be prevented?
-------------------------------------
Eczema outbreaks can usually be prevented with some simple precautions:
1.Moisturize frequently
2.Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
3.Avoid sweating or overheating
4.Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)
5.Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
6.Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal furs)
7.Be aware of any foods that may trigger an attack and avoid those foods
8.Reduce stress
How can eczema be treated?
----------------------------------
The most important part of an eczema treatment routine is to avoid scratching because that will irritate the skin even more.
The most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. These treatments are generally most effective when applied directly after bathing so that the moisture from the bath is remains in the skin.
Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.
Another effective treatment is the application of corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation.To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment.
For severe eczema, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, but be aware that side effects including new flare-ups can develop when treatment is discontinued (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).
Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. A course of topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
For severe itching, sedative and non-sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch.
For day time activities as well as driving, non sedative antihistamine should be used.
Because drowsiness is a common side effect, sedative antihistamines are often used in the evening to help a person restless from eczema get to sleep.
Tar treatments and phototherapy are also used and can have positive effects. Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights).
Finally, in cases where eczema is resistant to therapy, your physician may prescribe the drug cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response.
This is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.
What can be done for children with eczema?
----------------------------------------------------
Children are special because it is difficult for them to resist scratching their eczema.
For mild to moderate cases, the application of moisturizer on a regular basis can be very helpful. And, in most cases, the eczema will disappear as the child ages.
In the meantime, avoid as many eczema triggers as possible.
Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer to retain the moisture in the skin.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Keep your child’s bedroom and play areas free of dust mites.
Use mild soaps – both on your child’s skin and on your child’s clothing.
Dress your child in breathable, preferably cotton, clothing.
-------------------------------
What is Eczema?
--------------------
Eczema is a general term meaning inflammation of the skin with signs of redness, itch and swelling.
One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic eczema which affects 10-20% of the world population. It occurs at some point during childhood.
Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.
What causes Eczema?
--------------------------
There is no known cause for the disease.
It often affects people with a family history of allergies.
Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.
Those who are genetically predisposed may deverlop eczema when exposed to environmental and food triggers:
milk,egg white,nuts, shellfish
dust, chemicals,detergents,flowers,pollens,dyes in clothes,cosmetics
Who gets eczema?
----------------------
Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.
Is Eczema contagious?
---------------------------
Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured.
For most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.
How common is eczema?
------------------------------
The condition is quite common.
About10-20% of all infants have eczema.
In nearly half of these children, the disease will improve greatly by the time they are between five and 15 years of age.
Others will have some form of the disease throughout their lives.
Where does Eczema appear?
-----------------------------------
Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body.
In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.
In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.
In some people, eczema may form bubbles which breaks and ooze.
In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red.
Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).
What are the symptoms and signs of eczema?
-----------------------------------------------------
Typically there are dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin.
Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.
What makes patients with eczema itch?
-----------------------------------------------
The triggers that causes a flare up of the eczema causes irritation to the skin.
When the skin becomes irritated, histamines are released into the skin causing the redness and itchiness.
For some, rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness. For others, feeling too hot and sweating will cause an outbreak.
Other people find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, and animal furs may trigger itching.
Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers.
Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up,a condition called neurodematitis.
How can eczema be prevented?
-------------------------------------
Eczema outbreaks can usually be prevented with some simple precautions:
1.Moisturize frequently
2.Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
3.Avoid sweating or overheating
4.Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)
5.Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
6.Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal furs)
7.Be aware of any foods that may trigger an attack and avoid those foods
8.Reduce stress
How can eczema be treated?
----------------------------------
The most important part of an eczema treatment routine is to avoid scratching because that will irritate the skin even more.
The most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. These treatments are generally most effective when applied directly after bathing so that the moisture from the bath is remains in the skin.
Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.
Another effective treatment is the application of corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation.To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment.
For severe eczema, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, but be aware that side effects including new flare-ups can develop when treatment is discontinued (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).
Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. A course of topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
For severe itching, sedative and non-sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch.
For day time activities as well as driving, non sedative antihistamine should be used.
Because drowsiness is a common side effect, sedative antihistamines are often used in the evening to help a person restless from eczema get to sleep.
Tar treatments and phototherapy are also used and can have positive effects. Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights).
Finally, in cases where eczema is resistant to therapy, your physician may prescribe the drug cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response.
This is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.
What can be done for children with eczema?
----------------------------------------------------
Children are special because it is difficult for them to resist scratching their eczema.
For mild to moderate cases, the application of moisturizer on a regular basis can be very helpful. And, in most cases, the eczema will disappear as the child ages.
In the meantime, avoid as many eczema triggers as possible.
Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer to retain the moisture in the skin.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Keep your child’s bedroom and play areas free of dust mites.
Use mild soaps – both on your child’s skin and on your child’s clothing.
Dress your child in breathable, preferably cotton, clothing.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
A Simple Guide to Conjunctivitis
A Simple Guide to Conjunctivitis
-----------------
-----------------
What is Conjunctivitis?
---------------
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva(the white of the eye and inner lining of eyelids).
It is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults.
What causes Conjunctivitis?
---------------------------------
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a
virus
bacteria
irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine)
allergens (substances that cause allergies).
Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.
What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
-------------------------------------------------
1.Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
2.tears overflowing
3.yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
Other discharge from your eye (green or white) .
4.Pain in the eye
5.Itchy eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by allergies)
6.Burning eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by chemicals and irritants)
7.Blurred vision
8.sensitivity to light
How is Conjunctivitis spread?
-----------------------------------
Bacterial or viral Conjunctivitis can also be spread through hand contact when rubbing the eyes or touching contact lenses after touching infected skin.
Being around a person who has conjunctivitis and wearing contact lenses may increase your risk of getting conjunctivitis, but the outcome is usually very good with treatment.
How is Conjunctivitis treated?
-----------------------------------
Bacteria:Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics.
The antibiotic can be given as eye drops, ointments, or pills.
Eye drops or ointments may need to be applied to the inside of the eyelid three to four times a day for five to seven days.
Virus: No Medicine can treat conjunctivitis caused by a virus.
This type of conjunctivitis often results from a common cold.
You may, however, help relieve symptoms by applying a cold compress.
Irritating substance:For this type of conjunctivitis, use warm water for five minutes to wash the irritating substance from the eye.
Allergies:Allergy-associated conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamines or when the allergen is determined and removed.
How to relieve symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
---------------------------------------------------
1.Protect your eyes from dirt and other irritating substances.
2.Do not use contact lenses, if you wear them.
3.Place cold compresses on your eyes.
4.Wash your face and eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo and rinse with water to remove irritating substances.
5.Do not rub your eyes with hands that are not washed.
6. Do not use the same bottle of drops in the other eye if it is not infected.
How to prevent spreading Conjunctivitis?
-------------------------------------------------
1.Do not touch or rub the infected eye(s).
2.Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
3.Wash any discharge from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
4.Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent.
5.Avoid wearing eye makeup.
Don’t share eye makeup with anyone else.
6.Do not wear another person’s contact lens.
7.Wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases.
8.Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels, cups, and glasses.
9.Wash your hands after applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child’s eye.
10.Do not use eye drops in a non-infected eye that were used for an infected one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe Now: Feed Icon
Click and bookmark these Social Networking Bookmarks
